Assessment of Flare Gas Recovery Options for Small-Scale Power Generation in Cross River State

Flare gas recovery for small-scale power generation offers a practical pathway to reducing gas waste while addressing rural electrification deficits in Nigeria's oil-producing communities. This study assesses the technical and economic viability of recovering flare gas from small oil production facilities in Cross River State, particularly in the Obubra and Abi production areas, for conversion to electricity through micro-gas turbines and reciprocating gas engine generators. The research employs a feasibility study methodology, combining flare volume measurements, gas composition analyses, and economic modelling based on capital and operating cost estimates for recovery infrastructure. The study investigates the adequacy of flare gas flow rates and pressures at the study sites to sustain continuous power generation, and evaluates electrical output scenarios under varying flare gas availability conditions. Community electricity demand surveys conducted in adjacent rural villages are used to determine the alignment between potential generation capacity and local demand. Findings indicate that the three largest flare sites in the study area collectively produce sufficient recoverable gas to supply between 500 and 800 kilowatts of continuous power, adequate to serve approximately 1,200 rural households. Economic analysis suggests a payback period of four to six years under conservative assumptions. Recommendations include prioritisation of flare recovery projects under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme, community participation frameworks, and fast-track permitting for small-scale gas utilisation projects. Keywords: flare gas recovery, small-scale power, Cross River, rural electrification, gas utilisation.